Indian cinema has evolved over the years. We don’t see stars dancing around trees or under the rain with their lovers any more. The female characters today have more depth in their roles; actresses can stand tall and proud of the work they’re doing.
Even though the debate on equal pay for male and female actors continues, the top Bollywood actresses might actually be earning more than some male actors.
Here’s what India’s top 10 actresses are being paid per film, according to a report published by Filmfare.
1. Deepika Padukone — INR 14 crore per film
We are sure you aren’t surprised to see her name topping the list of the highest paid actresses in Bollywood. With hits like Padmaavat (2018), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Piku (2015), Happy New Year (2014), Goliyon Ki Rasleela — Ramleela (2014) to name a few, Deepika has indeed proven her mettle as one of the finest and the most gorgeous looking actress today.
2. Priyanka Chopra — INR 12 crore per film
This one doesn’t come as a surprise either. Priyanka is not just known in Bollywood but she has managed to carve a name for herself globally too. With projects like Quantico and Baywatch, she has garnered popularity worldwide and has inspired many other women to follow her path. Other than being an actress, she is involved in various social causes, be it girl child education or empowering women to do well for themselves. With this and much more to her repertoire, Priyanka recently increased her fee by charging INR 13 crore for her upcoming film Bharat opposite Salman Khan.
3. Kareena Kapoor — INR 11 crore per film
Being from the famous Kapoor clan and completing 18 years in the industry, Kareena has surely given us some memorable performances. Be it Chameli, Jab We Met, Omkara, Ki & Ka or her last release – Veere Di Wedding, Kareena continues to be one of the most popular stars in the industry charging a fee of INR 11 crore per film.
4. Kangana Ranaut — INR 10 crore per film
She came, she saw and she conquered. Kangana can easily be referred to as the ultimate queen of Bollywood. She’s dynamic and versatile and has come a long way in her career. With hits like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu, she has managed to carve a successful path for herself and earns a whooping INR 10 crore approximately per film.
5. Katrina Kaif — INR 10 crore per film
Undoubtedly, Katrina is one of the hottest actors we have in the business today. Spending more than a decade in Bollywood, she has managed to work alongside some popular names like Amitabh Bachchan and the Khan trio. The beauty averages around INR 9-10 crore per film.
6. Anuskha Sharma — INR 9-10 crore per film
Anushka started her career exactly a decade ago in 2008 with YRF’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi opposite the heart throb of the industry, Shah Rukh Khan. Since then, she has come a long way and has given some brilliant performances in films like Sultan and Aae Dil Hai Mushkil and will be seen sharing screen space with King Khan yet again in the film Zero. She stands out as a strong competition to her fellow stars and makes around INR 10 crore per film.
7. Alia Bhatt — INR 8 crore per film
Touted as one of the finest female stars of her generation, Alia became the nation’s obsession in no time. Right from her debut film, Student Of The Year – till her last release Raazi – Alia has time and again proven her mettle to be one of the most talented actresses today. She is reportedly charging INR 8 crore per film.
8. Sonam Kapoor — INR 7 crore per film
Sonam Kapoor is by far the most stylish actress in Bollywood. She recently increased her remuneration and why wouldn’t she with back to back hits like Neerja, PadMan, Veere Di Wedding and Sanju to her credit. Sonam charges INR 7 crore per project.
9. Vidya Balan — INR 6-7 crore per film
Iconic in her own way, Vidya Balan can be easily counted among the finest actresses in Bollywood. With traditional charm in Parineeta and stellar performances in Kahani, Paa and her latest release, Tumhari Sulu. With such strong star power, it’s no surprise Vidya charges around INR 7 crore for every film.
10. Shraddha Kapoor — INR 6 crore per film
Even though 2017 didn’t turn out to be Shraddha Kapoor’s year, the actress has still managed to hold her position strong in the top actresses of Bollywood. With films like Saaho, Stree Batti Gul Meter Chalu and Nawabzaade in the pipeline, Shraddha earns approximately INR 6 crore per film.
